When traditional antidepressant medications fall short, ketamine therapy has emerged as a powerful and effective treatment option for many struggling with mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. At Point Health Clinic, our team of compassionate professionals—including licensed physicians, nurses, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapists (KAP)—specialize in providing safe, evidence-based ketamine treatment designed to foster genuine healing and personal growth.
Understanding Ketamine and Its Therapeutic Potential
Ketamine was originally developed as a dissociative anesthetic, but in recent decades, medical research has demonstrated its remarkable ability to produce rapid antidepressant effects in patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
When administered in low doses through IV ketamine or nasal spray, the drug works as an NMDA receptor antagonist, enhancing communication in the prefrontal cortex and stimulating synaptic excitation—mechanisms associated with mood regulation and emotional processing.
Unlike standard antidepressant medications that can take weeks to show improvement, ketamine therapy often provides noticeable effects within hours or days, giving patients renewed hope and relief.
What Is a Ketamine Therapist?
A ketamine therapist is a licensed professional—often a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)—trained in both psychotherapy and the clinical use of ketamine administration. Their goal is to integrate the therapeutic effects of ketamine with talk therapy, creating a bridge between neurochemical changes and lasting emotional growth.
At Point Health Clinic, our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) providers are trained in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy through reputable institutions like the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI). They combine psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions during and after ketamine sessions to help patients process memories, relieve trauma, and build self-awareness.
The Science Behind Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) enhances traditional psychotherapy sessions by combining the neurobiological effects of ketamine with guided emotional exploration.
During KAP sessions, the ketamine experience produces a mild dissociative effect, allowing patients to view thoughts and emotions from a new perspective. This temporary shift in awareness helps clients work through deeply rooted trauma, negative beliefs, and psychiatric symptoms more effectively.
Clinical research and systematic narrative reviews indicate that combining ketamine therapy with psychotherapy can lead to long-term benefits in treating major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorders.
Choosing the Right Ketamine Therapist
When seeking a ketamine therapist, qualifications and clinical oversight are crucial. Here’s what to look for:
- Proper medical credentials in psychiatry, psychotherapy, or nursing
- Certification in KAP or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
- Experience with IV ketamine and nasal spray treatments
- Access to an interdisciplinary psychiatric care team for integration and follow-up
- Transparent discussion of dosage escalation strategy, treatment plans, and potential risks
At Point Health Clinic, all ketamine sessions are supervised by board-certified physicians and supported by a dedicated clinical team. From dosing sessions to integration sessions, every step is carefully personalized to your health, history, and treatment goals.
The Role of Ketamine in Mental Health Treatment
Research from multiple studies and randomized controlled trials has shown that ketamine treatment can provide significant improvements in depressive symptoms, pain management, and suicidal ideation.
As a receptor antagonist targeting the NMDA receptors, ketamine enhances the release of glutamate and activates AMPA receptors, promoting synaptic plasticity—a key factor in mood stabilization and emotional resilience.
For patients with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine’s rapid onset offers a breakthrough that traditional antidepressants cannot match. Moreover, when integrated with psychotherapy sessions, it allows patients to build on their progress and sustain emotional regulation over time.
What to Expect During Ketamine Sessions
Your ketamine session begins with a comprehensive medical assessment and a review of your mental health conditions. Once cleared, patients receive IV ketamine, nasal spray, or oral ketamine, depending on their treatment plan.
During the treatment session, you’ll be in a comfortable environment under medical supervision. Healthcare professionals monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate to ensure safety.
Some patients experience blurred vision, mild dizziness, or a light dissociative effect—these are temporary and typically subside after the session.
Afterward, a psychotherapy session or integration session helps process emotions and insights that emerged during the ketamine experience.
How Point Health Clinic Personalizes Ketamine Therapy
At Point Health Clinic, we recognize that every person’s mental health journey is unique. Our approach to ketamine therapy combines medical treatment with holistic care.
Our team includes licensed professionals trained in psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and attachment-based approaches—ensuring that each ketamine session supports lasting transformation.
We specialize in helping individuals with:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain
- Substance use disorders
- End-of-life distress
By combining low-dose ketamine with talk therapy, patients gain the clarity and emotional grounding needed to rewrite personal narratives and reconnect with themselves.
The Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health
The therapeutic effects of ketamine extend beyond symptom management. Studies show promising results in enhancing personal growth, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being.
Some benefits include:
- Rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression
- Reduced suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms
- Relief from chronic pain and anxiety disorders
- Enhanced emotional resilience and self-awareness
- Improved therapy engagement through psychedelic experiences
These long-term benefits make ketamine therapy a valuable tool for patients seeking alternatives to traditional psychiatric care or those desiring deeper emotional healing.
Safety, Risks, and Professional Oversight
While ketamine treatment is FDA-approved for anesthesia and esketamine nasal spray for depression, all off-label uses must be performed under licensed medical supervision.
At Point Health Clinic, patient safety is our highest priority. We use controlled dosing, repeated administration only when clinically indicated, and continuous monitoring to minimize adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, or temporary disorientation.
Every treatment plan follows evidence-based practices, ensuring that each patient’s ketamine use is both safe and effective.
Why Choose Point Health Clinic
Point Health Clinic stands as a premier provider of ketamine therapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in Southern California, serving patients in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, Encino, Agoura Hills, and beyond.
Our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, therapists, and nurses dedicated to compassionate, results-driven care. We provide combined treatments, integration support, and a commitment to helping patients achieve personal growth and long-term mental wellness.
FAQs
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
KAP is a combination of ketamine administration and psychotherapy sessions. The goal is to use low-dose ketamineto enhance emotional openness during therapy, improving treatment outcomes.
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
Yes, when performed under professional supervision. All ketamine treatments at Point Health Clinic are conducted by licensed healthcare professionals with ongoing monitoring of vital signs and patient comfort.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients undergo several dosing sessions over a few weeks, followed by integration sessions. The exact number depends on your diagnosis, response, and personal goals.
What Conditions Can Ketamine Help Treat?
Ketamine therapy is known to help with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders, among others.
Does Insurance Cover Ketamine Therapy?
Coverage varies by provider. Our team can discuss options and help determine if your plan includes partial or full coverage for ketamine treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, Point Health Clinic can help. Our team of certified ketamine therapists, medical doctors, and integration specialists are here to provide compassionate, science-based care.
📞 Call (855) 263-1487 or email [email protected] to schedule your ketamine consultation today.
Discover a path to renewed mental health, clarity, and emotional freedom—with Point Health Clinic.
